Accra: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has revealed he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry into the United States, ending his hopes of officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to work at a World Cup finals, was turned away at Miami International Airport despite travelling with what he says were valid travel documents and a diplomatic passport.
According to Ghana Web, Artan stated that he had the appropriate paperwork and the necessary visa. However, he was questioned by US immigration officials for 11 hours, placed in a holding cell, and then sent back to Istanbul. Artan expressed his profound disappointment, saying he was just a referee trying to fulfill his dream of participating in the World Cup.
FIFA later confirmed that Artan would miss the tournament, emphasizing that immigration decisions rest with the host country and his status would not change. A senior adviser to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports also verified that Artan had travelled with valid documents. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Artan's situation is one of several controversies surrounding the tournament. Former England striker Ian Wright referred to the build-up as a "World Cup of chaos" due to various travel and visa issues affecting both participants and supporters.